Revealed on
February 9, 2026
Saudi Arabia has taken a big step in direction of enhancing the capability of its Haramain Excessive-Velocity Railway by securing a cope with Spain’s Talgo to accumulate 20 superior trains. This growth is ready to accommodate the rising variety of passengers, together with non secular vacationers, visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The brand new fleet is designed to not solely serve pilgrims in the course of the Hajj and Umrah seasons but additionally to help the Kingdom’s tourism objectives, positioning Saudi Arabia as a significant hub for world journey and spiritual tourism.
Set to be delivered by the top of 2028 and accomplished by 2031, these high-speed trains will considerably improve the present infrastructure of the Haramain Railway, making it extra environment friendly, comfy, and environmentally sustainable. With an annual goal capability of over 30 million passengers, this growth is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s Imaginative and prescient 2030 to modernize its transport and logistics sectors, additional integrating the Kingdom’s position as a pivotal participant in world tourism.
The Haramain Excessive-Velocity Railway was inaugurated in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, revolutionizing the transportation system between the 2 most sacred cities in Islam. By connecting Makkah and Madinah by means of 5 stations, the railway serves because the quickest and most handy mode of transport for pilgrims touring between these holy websites. At speeds of as much as 300 km/h (186 mph), it permits passengers to finish the journey in simply two hours, a drastic discount in journey time in comparison with conventional strategies.
This initiative displays Saudi Arabia’s strategic emphasis on leveraging transport infrastructure to cater to its important position in Islamic tourism. Because the Kingdom is dwelling to a number of the world’s most visited non secular websites, the Haramain Railway shouldn’t be solely a transportation undertaking but additionally an important a part of the Kingdom’s ambition to spice up the tourism sector and help Imaginative and prescient 2030.
The deal between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Talgo, a number one Spanish rail producer, will see 20 new high-speed trains added to the present fleet. These new trains shall be totally outfitted with superior expertise to reinforce passenger consolation and security, guaranteeing that the service stays aggressive within the face of rising demand.
Every of the brand new trains shall be configured with 13 automobiles that embrace eight economy-class and 5 business-class coaches, providing a complete of 417 seats. A devoted disability-friendly coach may also be included to cater to all vacationers, guaranteeing inclusive entry for everybody. The trains are designed with trendy facilities to make sure that the passengers, particularly pilgrims, have a easy, pleasurable, and secure journey between Makkah and Madinah.
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The Haramain Railway at present operates a fleet of 35 trains, however with the brand new order, the fleet measurement will rise to 55 trains. This growth is essential to fulfill the rising variety of vacationers, significantly in the course of the peak Hajj and Umrah seasons. With the rising variety of non secular vacationers and the continued efforts to diversify Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, the extra trains will present higher operational flexibility. This flexibility is especially important throughout high-demand seasons when the variety of pilgrims swells.
The growth is anticipated to assist ease the congestion that usually arises in the course of the busy non secular seasons. Moreover, it’ll play a pivotal position within the Kingdom’s broader imaginative and prescient to enhance its logistics and transport infrastructure, supporting each home tourism and worldwide arrivals. Because the railway connects different key cities, together with Jeddah and King Abdulaziz Worldwide Airport, vacationers will expertise much more seamless connections, enhancing the general comfort and attraction of visiting Saudi Arabia.
Consistent with its Imaginative and prescient 2030 aims, Saudi Arabia continues to make strides in selling sustainable transport choices. The Haramain Railway, designed to be each energy-efficient and eco-friendly, is a primary instance of the nation’s dedication to decreasing its carbon footprint. By increasing this technique with cutting-edge trains, the Kingdom is reinforcing its position in advancing inexperienced applied sciences inside its transport sector. The high-speed trains supply an environmentally aware journey answer, with lowered emissions in comparison with conventional transport strategies, additional aligning with world sustainability objectives.
Vacationers visiting Saudi Arabia can reap the benefits of this superior railway system, not just for non secular functions but additionally as a part of the broader tourism expertise. The benefit and effectivity of journey between the Kingdom’s key cities could make a big influence on these exploring Saudi Arabia’s wealthy historical past, tradition, and future developments.
For these planning to go to Makkah or Madinah, touring by the Haramain Excessive-Velocity Railway is probably the most environment friendly and cozy approach to expertise the journey between these sacred cities. For a hassle-free journey, make sure you e book tickets upfront, particularly in the course of the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Test the official railway web site or devoted apps for up-to-date schedules and ticket availability.
With the railway system increasing, it opens up extra alternatives for vacationers not solely inside Saudi Arabia but additionally from all over the world. As Saudi Arabia enhances its position as a world tourism vacation spot, these developments are certain to draw extra worldwide vacationers. The fashionable infrastructure, mixed with the Kingdom’s dedication to offering a high-quality, sustainable journey expertise, makes it an interesting vacation spot for a various vary of vacationers.
From non secular tourism to leisure journey, the growth of the Haramain Excessive-Velocity Railway alerts the start of a brand new period for Saudi Arabia’s transport and tourism sectors. This huge infrastructure funding is a transparent reflection of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to enhancing its tourism attraction and guaranteeing that vacationers have an distinctive expertise.
